The Bitcoin Dilemma
The Bitcoin Dilemma

Author: Colin L. Read

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-10-15

Total Pages: 325

ISBN-13: 3031091388

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

There are few innovations that have the potential to revolutionize commerce and have evolved so quickly that there remain significant misunderstandings about their operation, opportunity, and challenges as has Bitcoin in the dozen years since its invention. The potential for banking, transacting, and public recording of important records is profound, but can be displacing if not done with appropriate care, and is downright dangerous if certain pitfalls are not noted and avoided. Among other things, this book proves the existence of a Bitcoin dilemma that challenges the conventional wisdom which mistakenly asserts the incredibly intensive energy consumption in Proof-of-Work cryptocurrency mining will be remedied by more efficient mining machines or sustainable power sources. It shows for the first time within a well-specified economic model of Bitcoin mining that the recent runup in electricity consumption has a simple and inevitable explanation. For a coin with almost completely inelastic supply and steadily increasing demand, the conditions for accelerating electricity demand is consistent with economic theory and may well characterize the future of Bitcoin. The book also demonstrates the counterintuitive result that improvements in mining efficiency, in terms of electricity consumption per terahash of processing power, or decreases in electricity costs as cheaper sustainable energy is diverted to this industry, merely exacerbates the acceleration of energy consumption because of a prisoner’s dilemma arms-race-to-the-bottom. The book proposes policy solutions to mitigate this Bitcoin dilemma but note that the mobility of industry capacity which needs but a ready supply of electricity and an Internet connection frustrates local regulation and warrants global solutions. The incredible opportunities of this industry will only be realized if our regulators, legislators, entrepreneurs, and general public garner a more complete and objective understanding of this and other Proof-of-Work mining techniques. The book provides this broader perspective based on the author’s research as an economist, his position as a director of a large regional bank, his understanding as a technologist and as an environmental and sustainability researcher, and his public policy experience as a mayor who has also written books and articles about public policy and public finance.

Bitcoin -- The Miner's Dilemma
Bitcoin -- The Miner's Dilemma

Author: Ittay Eyal

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 16

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

An open distributed system can be secured by requiring participants to present proof of work and rewarding them for participation. The Bitcoin digital currency introduced this mechanism, which is adopted by almost all contemporary digital currencies and related services.A natural process leads participants of such systems to form pools, where members aggregate their power and share the rewards. Experience with Bitcoin shows that the largest pools are often open, allowing anyone to join. It has long been known that a member can sabotage an open pool by seemingly joining it but never sharing its proofs of work. The pool shares its revenue with the attacker, and so each of its participants earns less.We define and analyze a game where pools use some of their participants to infiltrate other pools and perform such an attack. With any number of pools, no-pool-attacks is not a Nash equilibrium. We study the special cases where either two pools or any number of identical pools play the game and the rest of the participants are uninvolved. In both of these cases there exists an equilibrium that constitutes a “tragedy of the commons” where the participating pools attack one another and earn less than they would have if none had attacked.For two pools, the decision whether or not to attack is the miner's dilemma, an instance of the iterative prisoner's dilemma. The game is played daily by the active Bitcoin pools, which apparently choose not to attack. If this balance breaks, the revenue of open pools might diminish, making them unattractive to participants.

Crypto or Chocolate: The Sweet Dilemma of Digital Riches
Crypto or Chocolate: The Sweet Dilemma of Digital Riches

Author: Shu Chen Hou

Publisher: KOKOSHUNGSAN®

Published:

Total Pages: 52

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Hold onto your taste buds and grab your digital wallets because "Crypto or Chocolate: The Sweet Dilemma of Digital Riches" is about to take you on a hilarious adventure you won't believe! Imagine a world where you can have your digital cake and eat it too. That's right, folks! We're diving headfirst into the epic battle between the mind-boggling allure of cryptocurrencies and the mouth-watering satisfaction of chocolate. It's a clash of the titans, and you get a front-row seat! Get ready to navigate the wild and wacky world of cryptocurrency investing. We'll show you the ropes, from wallets to exchanges, while keeping you laughing along the way. And hey, who knows? Maybe you'll strike it rich and be the proud owner of a Bitcoin-shaped hot tub. Just watch out for those market fluctuations - they're as unpredictable as a penguin on roller skates! But wait, there's more! We're not stopping at digital riches. We're diving into the sweet and delicious universe of chocolate. Brace yourself for a sensory overload as we explore the rich history, the mouthwatering varieties, and the sheer joy of sinking your teeth into a gooey, decadent chocolate creation. Your taste buds will thank you! Now, here's the dilemma: choosing between the siren call of potential digital riches and the comforting embrace of a chocolatey treat. It's like trying to decide between a unicorn ride and a lifetime supply of tacos. Impossible, right? But fear not, dear reader, because we've got you covered. We'll share the secrets of finding balance in a world where virtual fortunes collide with tangible pleasures. It's all about making informed choices, following your heart (and your taste buds), and not taking life too seriously. After all, who needs a Lambo when you can have a lifetime supply of chocolate-covered bacon? And here's the best part: you don't have to choose! You can have your crypto and eat your chocolate too. We'll show you how to incorporate both into your life with style, flair, and a healthy dose of laughter. Picture yourself trading Bitcoin while munching on a chocolate bar, feeling like the ultimate multitasking champ. It's a win-win situation! So, grab a spoonful of digital daringness, sprinkle it with a dash of cocoa-induced happiness, and get ready to embark on the funniest, most mouth-watering adventure of your life. "Crypto or Chocolate: The Sweet Dilemma of Digital Riches" is waiting to tickle your funny bone and satisfy your cravings in the most hilarious way possible. Don't miss out on the laughter, the knowledge, and the tasty treats. Get your hands on "Crypto or Chocolate: The Sweet Dilemma of Digital Riches" today and join us on a wild ride that will leave you chuckling, drooling, and craving for more!

Bitcoin Pizza
Bitcoin Pizza

Author: Samantha Radocchia

Publisher:

Published: 2019-08-09

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 9781544504414

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

When you hear the word blockchain, what's your reaction? Do you think it's a fad that's been overhyped but will soon be forgotten? Or maybe you have a vague understanding of how the technology works, but you're unsure of how it will impact your life.Neither reaction is wrong. Blockchain and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are still in their infancy-but they will soon fuel a worldwide cultural and technological paradigm shift that will disrupt every major industry: finance, supply chain, film and arts distribution, digital rights, automotive, social media, data security, real estate, and more.In Bitcoin Pizza, Sam Radocchia offers an eye-opening exploration of what blockchain is and how it will radically change our world. Whether you're an executive looking to prepare your business for a decentralized future or a newcomer curious about the blockchain hype, this fun and relatable guide will give you the confidence to explore this technology in more detail by first showing you the big picture. Instead of looking at blockchain with trepidation, you'll come away thrilled by the possibilities.

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies

Author: Arvind Narayanan

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2016-07-19

Total Pages: 335

ISBN-13: 1400884152

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

An authoritative introduction to the exciting new technologies of digital money Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies provides a comprehensive introduction to the revolutionary yet often misunderstood new technologies of digital currency. Whether you are a student, software developer, tech entrepreneur, or researcher in computer science, this authoritative and self-contained book tells you everything you need to know about the new global money for the Internet age. How do Bitcoin and its block chain actually work? How secure are your bitcoins? How anonymous are their users? Can cryptocurrencies be regulated? These are some of the many questions this book answers. It begins by tracing the history and development of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, and then gives the conceptual and practical foundations you need to engineer secure software that interacts with the Bitcoin network as well as to integrate ideas from Bitcoin into your own projects. Topics include decentralization, mining, the politics of Bitcoin, altcoins and the cryptocurrency ecosystem, the future of Bitcoin, and more. An essential introduction to the new technologies of digital currency Covers the history and mechanics of Bitcoin and the block chain, security, decentralization, anonymity, politics and regulation, altcoins, and much more Features an accompanying website that includes instructional videos for each chapter, homework problems, programming assignments, and lecture slides Also suitable for use with the authors' Coursera online course Electronic solutions manual (available only to professors)

Bitcoin
Bitcoin

Author: Jerry Brito

Publisher: Mercatus Center at George Mason University

Published: 2013-12-19

Total Pages: 48

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

As the world’s first decentralized digital currency, Bitcoin has the potential to revolutionize online payments systems in a way that benefits consumers and businesses. Instead of using an intermediary such as PayPal or submitting credit card information to a third party for verification—both of which often include transaction fees and other restrictions—Bitcoin allows individuals to pay each other directly for goods or services. The characteristics that make Bitcoin so innovative have also made it a target for regulators, who fear that the cryptocurrency will aid tax evasion, money laundering, and other crimes. While it is true that it can be used for nefarious purposes, the same can be said of cash. But, unlike cash, Bitcoin transactions are recorded in an online ledger. In this new primer published by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Jerry Brito and Andrea Castillo describe how the digital currency works and address many of the common misconceptions about it. They also analyze current laws and regulations that may already cover digital currencies and warn against preemptively placing regulatory restrictions on Bitcoin that could stifle the new technology before it has a chance to evolve. In addition, they give several recommendations about how to treat Bitcoin going forward. Here, at the forefront of the debate, Brito and Castillo both support innovation and provide much-needed clarity for policymakers and law enforcement. A Spanish edition of this book is also available from the Mercatus Center.

Grokking Bitcoin
Grokking Bitcoin

Author: Kalle Rosenbaum

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2019-04-17

Total Pages: 704

ISBN-13: 1638355975

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Summary If you think Bitcoin is just an alternative currency for geeks, it's time to think again. Grokking Bitcoin opens up this powerful distributed ledger system, exploring the technology that enables applications both for Bitcoin-based financial transactions and using the blockchain for registering physical property ownership. With this fully illustrated, easy-to-read guide, you'll finally understand how Bitcoin works, how you can use it, and why you can trust the blockchain. Foreword by David A. Harding, Contributor to Bitcoin documentation. Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications. About the Technology Inflation, depressed economies, debased currencies ... these are just a few of the problems centralized banking has caused throughout history. Bitcoin, a digital currency created with the ambition to shift control away from change-prone governments, has the potential to bring an end to those problems once and for all. It's time to find out how it can help you. About the Book Grokking Bitcoin explains why Bitcoin's supporters trust it so deeply, and why you can too. This approachable book will introduce you to Bitcoin's groundbreaking technology, which is the key to this world-changing system. This illustrated, easy-to-read guide prepares you for a new way of thinking with easy-to-follow diagrams and exercises. You'll discover how Bitcoin mining works, how to accept Bitcoin, how to participate in the Bitcoin network, and how to set up a digital wallet. What's inside Bitcoin transactions The blockchain Bitcoin mining Bitcoin wallets About the Reader Intended for anyone interested in learning about Bitcoin technology. While a basic understanding of technical concepts is beneficial, no programming skills are necessary. About the Author Kalle Rosenbaum is a computer scientist, an avid Bitcoin supporter, and the founder of Propeller, a Bitcoin consultancy. Table of Contents Introduction to Bitcoin Cryptographic hash functions and digital signatures Addresses Wallets Transactions The blockchain Proof of work Peer-to-peer network Transactions revisited Segregated witness Bitcoin upgrades

Cryptocurrencies and the Blockchain Revolution
Cryptocurrencies and the Blockchain Revolution

Author: Brendan January

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Published: 2020-10-06

Total Pages: 91

ISBN-13: 172841153X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In January 2009, a mysterious software developer, Satoshi Nakamoto, exchanged a specially designed code with another developer. The code was a digital currency that Nakamoto had proposed several months before in a paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.” This was the first Bitcoin transaction. Since then, Bitcoin has become the face of a tech revolution in digital cryptocurrencies based on blockchain technology. Its success has sparked a tech revolution that could fundamentally change global economics. Author Brendan January delves into the world of coders, libertarians, criminals, financial regulators, and crypto-detectives to understand what digital cryptocurrencies have to offer, their limitations and potential pitfalls, security issues, and how they may affect government and financial regulations in the future.

The Blockchain and the New Architecture of Trust
The Blockchain and the New Architecture of Trust

Author: Kevin Werbach

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2023-08-15

Total Pages: 339

ISBN-13: 0262547163

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

How the blockchain—a system built on foundations of mutual mistrust—can become trustworthy. The blockchain entered the world on January 3, 2009, introducing an innovative new trust architecture: an environment in which users trust a system—for example, a shared ledger of information—without necessarily trusting any of its components. The cryptocurrency Bitcoin is the most famous implementation of the blockchain, but hundreds of other companies have been founded and billions of dollars invested in similar applications since Bitcoin's launch. Some see the blockchain as offering more opportunities for criminal behavior than benefits to society. In this book, Kevin Werbach shows how a technology resting on foundations of mutual mistrust can become trustworthy. The blockchain, built on open software and decentralized foundations that allow anyone to participate, seems like a threat to any form of regulation. In fact, Werbach argues, law and the blockchain need each other. Blockchain systems that ignore law and governance are likely to fail, or to become outlaw technologies irrelevant to the mainstream economy. That, Werbach cautions, would be a tragic waste of potential. If, however, we recognize the blockchain as a kind of legal technology that shapes behavior in new ways, it can be harnessed to create tremendous business and social value.

The Truth Machine
The Truth Machine

Author: Paul Vigna

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Published: 2018-02-27

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 1250114608

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"Views differ on bitcoin, but few doubt the transformative potential of Blockchain technology. The Truth Machine is the best book so far on what has happened and what may come along. It demands the attention of anyone concerned with our economic future." —Lawrence H. Summers, Charles W. Eliot University Professor and President Emeritus at Harvard, Former Treasury Secretary From Michael J. Casey and Paul Vigna, the authors of The Age of Cryptocurrency, comes the definitive work on the Internet’s Next Big Thing: The Blockchain. Big banks have grown bigger and more entrenched. Privacy exists only until the next hack. Credit card fraud is a fact of life. Many of the “legacy systems” once designed to make our lives easier and our economy more efficient are no longer up to the task. Yet there is a way past all this—a new kind of operating system with the potential to revolutionize vast swaths of our economy: the blockchain. In The Truth Machine, Michael J. Casey and Paul Vigna demystify the blockchain and explain why it can restore personal control over our data, assets, and identities; grant billions of excluded people access to the global economy; and shift the balance of power to revive society’s faith in itself. They reveal the disruption it promises for industries including finance, tech, legal, and shipping. Casey and Vigna expose the challenge of replacing trusted (and not-so-trusted) institutions on which we’ve relied for centuries with a radical model that bypasses them. The Truth Machine reveals the empowerment possible when self-interested middlemen give way to the transparency of the blockchain, while highlighting the job losses, assertion of special interests, and threat to social cohesion that will accompany this shift. With the same balanced perspective they brought to The Age of Cryptocurrency, Casey and Vigna show why we all must care about the path that blockchain technology takes—moving humanity forward, not backward.